Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure where a telescope-like instrument is put into the woman’s abdomen so that the specialist can see her uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

 

In viewing the woman’s reproductive organs, it is possible to detect any scarring, endometriosis, or problems in shape or contour. The fallopian tubes are checked by the injection of dye through the cervix to see if it passes out of the fimbriated ends of the tubes. The ends of the fallopian tubes are also checked for freedom of movement since the presence of adhesions may hamper the fallopian tube in collecting an ovulated oocyte.

Will patients need time off work?

Patients are usually admitted to hospital the evening before, or the morning of the operation and will be able to go home in the evening or the following morning.  Additionally, patients generally require 2-3 days off work to recuperate.

Are there any after effects?

Women commonly experience aching shoulders, sore chests and bloated abdomens. This results from the use of carbon dioxide gas injected into the abdomen at the beginning of the operation to ensure space between the abdominal organs. This gas causes an irritation of the diaphragm, which causes shoulder and chest soreness (referred pain), and sometimes vomiting. Patients may find this pain can be relieved by putting their hips on a pillow so that they are higher than their chest. These symptoms will disappear gradually over 3-5 days.

Laparoscopy is a minor procedure, with relatively low risks, however, it is still a surgical procedure involving a general anaesthetic. Other risks which accompany any form of surgery (including laparoscopy) are: haemorrhage, reactions to general anaesthesia, and the risk of post-operative infection.

Scars

Usually, two incisions are made—one just below the navel and the other at the top of the pubic hair line. These are both small, requiring only 1 or 2 stitches or clips. They will gradually fade until they are almost unable to be detected.